This manga is the sequel to previous manga and is set in the same universe as previous Kodoku. The theme of it is still the same but is somewhat refined than prequel. What changed then? Is art what influences you to think its a better story? Or was the prequel there just to flesh out this sequel in a better way? Short answer, it is both (according to me).
The story follows a group of men and women who meet on online occult website and decide to do a pseudo-kodoku at an abandoned love hotel. The plan was simple, no electronics, only food and living in the fully sealed hotel for a few days to experience a Kodoku. But obviously everything goes wrong when they realize someone put extra locks on the door. Here on, the story unfolds in a way more complex way than the prequel (or maybe its the art that was suggesting it, the aura effect).
The characters in this sequel appear to be much more complex and fixated on occult than before. Each of them are still sinned but in their own unique, darker ways. These all stem from their circumstances as was in the prequel. Although, they are in constant argument, it somehow feels natural for argument to arise knowing the characters. Because of this, each move made by them doesn't appear to be motivated by plot but something they would actually do.
The sequel is better that prequel.
I will try to summarize my own feelings towards this manga in a few sentences.
I loved it. I definitely liked the darker themes and the puzzles in the manga but more so its connection with the prequel that at the end of manga constantly lit up my light bulb in the brain. Rather than feeling hooked, I felt I was in a movie hall watching an amazing story unfold in front of me.
Absolute cinema moment for me.
For people highly disappointed with Dokumushi, they should definitely read the sequel for they will be overjoyed. For satisfied readers of Dokumushi, it will be like getting a blowjob while winning all the gambled money.
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